Katavi National Park covers over 4,471 square kilometers and also ranked as the largest national park in Tanzania. Katavi National Park  is situated in the western part of Tanzania, in the Katavi Region. Katavi National Park lies between Lake Tanganyika and Lake Rukwa, bordered by the Great Rift Valley to the East.

Katavi National Park was established in 1996 and initially designated as a game reserve in 1974. Katavi National Park was upgraded to a Tanzania National Park in 1996. Katavi National Park is filled with rich cultural and natural history, its landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity.

Katavi National Park Climate and Weather 

Katavi National Park is known to have a tropical kind of climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. With its rain season running from November to April, with March and April being the wettest months. Also, the dry season runs from May to October with warm temperatures. So, Katavi National park in Tanzania tends to be cooler at nights, making it the ideal time for wildlife viewing.

The best time to visit Katavi National Park is during the dry season, from May to October. For other sightseers may choose to visit Katavi National park during wet season. Although lush and green, can make travel within Katavi National park challenging due to muddy roads and limited access to certain areas. Hence, Katavi National park can be visited all year through. Despite the time you choose to visit, expect to marvel at numerous attractions in this Tanzania National Park.

Katavi national park is home to various wildlife which is one of the main reasons as to why sightseers visit the park. Despite of the fact that it’s in a remote area, Katavi National Park is rich in wildlife hence a good destination for your Tanzania safari. Some of the animals you are yet to encounter in Katavi National Park the include: lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Other species include hippos, crocodiles, zebras, wildebeests, various species of birds, herds of water buffaloes. All these animals are stunning to marvel at while on a wildlife Tanzania safari tour at the national park.

This Tanzania National park is filled with numerous attractions. So, on top to its beauty, these are the Katavi National Park attractions including; vast savannahs, wetlands. Also, other attractions include forests, wide array of landscapes, the Katavi River, stunning floodplains, the dense Miombo woodlands, and the picturesque lakeshores. All these Katavi National Park attractions contribute to the beauty of the national park hence making it even more attractive to visit.

When it comes to safari activities, Katavi national park has got a lot in store for its guests. In addition, these Tanzania safari tour activities add a lot to the amusement of Katavi national park. Some of these Katavi National Park safari activities include; traditional game drives, walking safaris, bird watching. Other safari activities in this park include fishing, and boat safaris on the Katavi River.

Katavi national park is not all that developed like other national parks in Tanzania. But it still also offers great accommodations to its visitors. These Katavi National Park accomodations have different ranges as of the choice of the sightseers. These Tanzania accommodations run from luxury lodges, tented camps, budget lodges and midrange lodges plus more rustic campsites.

Due to the fact that Katavi national park is in a remote area, its more advisable to book accommodations in advance. Additionaly this should be done especially during the peak tourist season in Tanzania. Some of the best Katavi National Park accommodations include; Chada Katavi Camp, Katavi Wildlife Camp, Mwambazi Safari Camp:

Reaching Katavi National Park in Tanzania is not challenging. Hence, sightseers/tourists can access this national park any time of the day by air or road transport. The nearest airport to Katavi Park is in the town of Mpanda, where small chartered flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or other major cities can be arranged. For visitors who are to use road transport can travel from Mbeya, which is a 6-8-hour drive away.